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Wearable Tactical Airsoft Computer Project


MattGyver

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Hello friends.

 

I want to share one of my current airsoft projects with you. This particular project part of a 'multi-project' that can connect to other devices worn on the player's rig. I'll make a new topic once I've made significant headway on one of my other projects. For now, this one is the farthest in development.

 

To begin, if any of you have ever heard of the lovely BattleTac (http://battletac.com/web/guest), it's essentially an application that can run on a smartphone, tablet, or Chromium browser and can display Google maps with real-time GPS feeds of your fellow teammates who also have the app. It shows points of interest, objectives, player statuses, navigation, coordinates, and even has a text-based encrypted IM chat for anyone not running comms (probably not super useful, but whatever). Kinda neat. Super cool if you've got a quick connection, good GPS fix, good map of the area, teammates using and participating with you, and a powerful but easy to use device to run it on.

 

I don't know about you, but I'm not super keen on RIS-mounting my smartphone to my gun or leaving it exposed on my arm. I'm also not super cool with carrying an expensive tablet computer around on my rig just so I can see maps and my teammates getting lost. But I do like the idea of having a lightweight rugged computing system that can access the internet and be worn right on the plate carrier.

 

Basically, I was inspired by the data heist scene in Elysium where one guy takes cover behind a vehicle, pops open a box on his chest rig, and he's got a computer where he starts doing stuff.

 

elysium___sandros_laptop_by_benmauro-d6t

 

So I turned to DIY for answers.

 

Currently on the market of small computing devices, there are several venues to go with a project like this, however the Raspberry Pi seemed the least expensive, friendliest, most bang for your buck kind of option. For $35, you get the RPi. Of course, I had to get an SD card to boot the OS, a mini controller-style USB keyboard/track pad combo, and a USB WiFi module....and a screen. I went with a 7" analogue video TFT display for $35 of Amazon. So, we're talking around $75-80.

 

USB Keyboard:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00B9996LA/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

USB WiFi:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003MTTJOY/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

7" Screen:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007SLDF7O/ref=oh_details_o07_s00_i01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

TacPi_1

TacPi_2

 

I was able to hook it up and actually run BattleTac from my home WiFi. Only issues I had were that I had to do some funky calibration with the screen resolution, it took me ages to figure out how to get the WiFI to work, and the Raspberry Pi is not known for it's processing speed. At the maximum overclock (which runs the risk of corrupting the SD card with the OS and/or the RPi), it can give you a GHz of processor speed. When using the default settings, BattleTac is not an enjoyable experience.

 

TacPi_4

TacPi_3

 

Currently, I'm waiting to get a GPS module that will work with my Raspberry Pi. Once I get that, I can figure out how to speed things up, get internet in remote areas without WiFi (internet is needed for BattleTac to work), and I'll figure out a way to use maps. I also might get a better screen since the current one I bought is quite limited in resolution. This actually forces windows and dialogue boxes off screen to where I can't find the scroll bar or hit buttons.

 

If any of you guys have any suggestions for construction, functionality, USB internet connection without WiFi, or other things I could do with this, feel free to let me know! I'll post updates here as this project progresses.

 

-MG

Edited by MattGyver
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That sounds alot like what we were testing during my iraq tour. They never got it working properly because I never saw the system again. It was a PDA that ran a specialized version of windows that could track where the combat elements were and automatically update the main computer in the command station. They were pretty useful because they worked farther than our radio's and had a text chat function so that the units could talk without being overheard.

 

Yours sounds like it could be an interesting addition during the larger airsoft games where the squads and teams are spread out. I would not mind having something like that on the larger OPs especially if enough people were using them.

For the internet you could always look at maybe wifi or bluetooth tethering, that way you could use your phone and keep it in a hard case or other protective covering.

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Hello friends.

 

If any of you guys have any suggestions for construction, functionality, USB internet connection without WiFi, or other things I could do with this, feel free to let me know! I'll post updates here as this project progresses.

 

-MG

 

I take it you've tried a USB tether off a wifi hotspot?

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Well, you certainly do live up to your name.

 

There is a handful of apps similar to this able, and while some them are sketchy, they do indeed have a niche.

 

Also, I imagine you've looked into mobile routers? The cost is up there, but it is what it is...

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I've actually never owned a smartphone. I'm planning on getting one soon, but the mobile tethering seems like the most logical way to go, if I can get the Raspberry Pi to process fast enough. I do have a backup plan if the Raspberry Pi can't perform as quickly as I'd like...get a BeagleBone.

 

It's very similar to a Raspberry Pi, but slightly more expensive, a bit faster processor (1 GHz out of the box!), but only 1 USB port instead of two, and HDMI output only, so no analog video out (which is actually a big drawback for me).

 

-MG

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Thats pretty awesome. I can see where it could come in very handy during recon while playing on a large field. I actually have that battletac app on my phone but have not had the chance to try and use it in game yet. I like where you are going with this. Keep us updated. 

 

~Joker 

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Will do.

 

I'm currently looking into a 3D printer, which should help me with making airsoft tech and developing kits for stuff. Of course, those are fairly expensive. I have several other things I need to build as well that can help me such as a vacuum molder, spray paint booth, and possibly a machine that I can use to make 3D printing filament from plastic pellets (which are cheaper). Otherwise, I've needed to shift attention towards my gun, a few things for my rig, getting a smartphone, etc.

 

GPS module is next. Should be about $45 and I think I know where to find the instructions for setting it up. I'm also planning on getting another SD card so I can have a normal OS for running airsofty things....and one for running MAME arcade games and SNES roms on the RPi between games. I also should look into patching the RPi audio output into my radio comm headset, which may only just require a connector or something. That way, I can hear the audio from the RPi, the audio from the radio, and the audio from the microphones on the headset.

 

Anyway, I'll keep you guys in the loop as best I can. :)

 

-MG

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Update today:

 

I searched Thingiverse to see if I could find any existing 3D files for RPi laptops out there and found a few, but nothing like what I'm envisioning for this. I linked a couple of interesting 3D files that can be printed for the RPi.

 

Looks like a mini laptop, works like a mini laptop, but it doesn't actually close like a laptop. So it's not a laptop. If I want to use it, artistic liberties can be taken!

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:38767

 

This one is actually for a Raspberry Pi 'Tablet', which is probably too expensive to build considering the slow speed of the RPi anyway. Nonetheless, extremely stylish.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:346114

 

This one is capturing more of the SNES/MAME function that the RPi can utilize (with the right OS on an SD card that is), but I still dig the design. I think this uses a 4.3" screen rather than a 7" like I've got. I could see this being great for any RC robotics or FPV telemetry. No keyboard though.

http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:321624

 

Still focused around SNES/MAME usage, this one closes like a laptop, has a keyboard stowed in the storage compartment on the right, and has ports for USB, ethernet, and HDMI. Also, did I mention it's built IN A PELICAN CASE? Definitely the right track. I've actually put some thought into just building it in a Pelican case and making it mount to my PC, but I might be able to make it compact. (And then again, I might not...)
http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:118976

 

Obviously, I'm going to want to use this thing for more than just giant games of airsoft (which I rarely have the opportunity to go to). So, this thing needs to be usable in a utilitarian way as well.

 

Features I'm thinking I'll need:

  • Obviously a folding lid with the 7" screen with latches to keep it closed while maneuvering
  • On board speakers and volume adjust (I'll need an audio amp with them); I could leave this out if I need the space, but would be nice to have that option.
  • Built-in mini keyboard and mouse pad or trackball (I'll have to hack something or make a holder for one of he wireless USB controller keyboards)
  • Water resistant external plugs for USB, HDMI, ethernet, possibly an analog video out split, and something for the GPIO pins
  • MOLLE compatible: printed slots on the front and back which could let me attach it to my plate carrier and pouches on the top lid (no wasted rig space)
  • Built in rechargeable LiPo battery system with charging circuit
  • A powered USB hub (needed for more than two USB devices; keyboard, WiFi, GPS, flashdrives, etc.)
  • Possibly a USB WiFi or GPS signal booster antenna
  • Some sort of LED for illuminating the keyboard and ports in the dark (unless it's backlit...which could be cool)
  • I may leave room for an analogue wireless 2.4 GHz AV receiver that I can patch into the auxiliary LCD screen input (vid 2); this would be useful for setting up a rapid deployable camera spike or RC wireless security camera system using analogue video
  • Battery monitoring would be nice...perhaps an integrated voltage indicator or an LED bar graph or something.

I'll start sketching some ideas soon. For now, I've got a pretty good grasp on what I want this thing to do. :)

 

-MG

Edited by MattGyver
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Looks good. Had a thought on the GPS capability - assuming the map of the AO could be uploaded to the Pi, wouldn't it eliminate the need for wifi, and just assign squad members a GPS locator and set up the Pi's GPS to look for them on said map?

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So what you're telling me is I can watch porn and buy more bullshit I don't need for airsoft, while playing airsoft?

Dude, I'm in.

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So what you're telling me is I can watch porn and buy more bullshit I don't need for airsoft, while playing airsoft?

 

Dude, I'm in.

 

Yes. Instead of being The Terminator, you can be....The Fapinator.

How much of a power draw is there with the Pi, with the screen and GPS running, by the way? I'm guessing this could be run off an appropriately-setup LiPo.

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They make ski googles with a hud gps and able to get txt messages. Be pretty cool to mod the firmwere in them for airsoft

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That sounds alot like what we were testing during my iraq tour. They never got it working properly because I never saw the system again. It was a PDA that ran a specialized version of windows that could track where the combat elements were and automatically update the main computer in the command station. They were pretty useful because they worked farther than our radio's and had a text chat function so that the units could talk without being overheard.

 

 

Went ahead and highlighted the problem with the system you messed with... :lol:

 

Never-the-less, fantastic looking system Matt. Looking forward to seeing the first prototype in action!

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Looks good. Had a thought on the GPS capability - assuming the map of the AO could be uploaded to the Pi, wouldn't it eliminate the need for wifi, and just assign squad members a GPS locator and set up the Pi's GPS to look for them on said map?

 

It's a plausible pivot if things don't work out, but there's few issues. A GPS locator needs a GPS sensor, but it would also need a means of transmitting the coordinate data to others. BattleTac uses a smartphone app that does this over 3G/4G or WiFi and uses the GPS sensor that's already built into most modern smartphones these days. You could use 2.4Ghz wireless module to transmit the data, but you would want each locator to display the data as well (what good is a multiple-person location system if only one person can use it?).

 

2.4Ghz also has a limited signal range that is affected by interference and obstructions, however I could see something that used an Arduino, GPS, magnetometer (it's basically a digital compass sensor), and a wireless Xbee module (to talk to other units) that could make a smaller system. Squad members could show up on an LCD screen as dots on a radar-like screen. If possible, the system could keep the shape of the worn laptop, but could also be wrist mounted, RIS weapon mounted, or displayed through a HUD or something.

 

Hypothetically, you could use a map if you swapped the Arduino out for a Raspberry Pi as the means of displaying the data, but you would want some code to display the dots on an image or map. Also, the GPS coordinates would have to be assigned to the image, so that the system knows where to put the dots. :)

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2.4Ghz also has a limited signal range that is affected by interference and obstructions, however I could see something that used an Arduino, GPS, magnetometer (it's basically a digital compass sensor), and a wireless Xbee module (to talk to other units) that could make a smaller system. Squad members could show up on an LCD screen as dots on a radar-like screen. If possible, the system could keep the shape of the worn laptop, but could also be wrist mounted, RIS weapon mounted, or displayed through a HUD or something.

 

 

This was my concern. 2.4 while useful is insanely limited in distances/obstructed paths. 5ghz may be a little more plausible as well. Still though many times find members of the same squad can be well outside the ranges both these technologies support. Think some sort of GPS transmitter/receiver will be the best option (think dog tracker systems). Not sure how exactly to work that into your system but will definitely ponder it some more. (sorry if you mentioned this already, was just thinking and typing).

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This was my concern. 2.4 while useful is insanely limited in distances/obstructed paths. 5ghz may be a little more plausible as well. Still though many times find members of the same squad can be well outside the ranges both these technologies support. Think some sort of GPS transmitter/receiver will be the best option (think dog tracker systems). Not sure how exactly to work that into your system but will definitely ponder it some more. (sorry if you mentioned this already, was just thinking and typing).

 

Well, there is actually a way to get the GPS data to send/recieve anywhere in the world using a satellite communicator called a RockBlock. It's an Iridium satellite communication module that can basically communicate via satellites, much like a GPS module. I've seen a lot of DIY GPS trackers that pair this with a GPS sensor and a battery pack in order to track something globally. The problem is this technology is hundreds of dollars for the base unit and requires running fees for the months that you wish to use the module. To my knowledge, it can be connected and interfaced with an Arduino board and probably with a Raspberry Pi as well, but it's definitely overkill for what I'm doing. Using WiFi or 3G/4G from a mobile router or hotspot is probably still the best option. :)

 

RockBlock Link:

http://rockblock.rock7mobile.com/products-rockblock.php

 

MAKE Arduino satellite communication info link:

http://makezine.com/projects/make-37/iridiumsatellite/

 

-MG

Edited by MattGyver
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From the site info it looks like there is a monthly fee for the GPS system?

 

3G/4G are likely going to cost money as well.

 

2.4/5ghz can be used for free but again back to the range/obstruction problem.... :(

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  • 5 weeks later...

Update time.

 

It's been a month or so since I last reported on the progress on this, but I have some rather big news:

 

I have dual extrusion 3D printing capabilities now.

 

It's been a long time coming, but it will hopefully really help me build some of this crazy stuff. 3D printing is one of the areas I wish airsoft would expand towards and I'll be doing what I can to help that as much as possible with my projects as well as providing my findings on here for your personal benefit.

 

Which brings me back to the Raspberry Pi Tactical computer project. I'm going to be putting it on hold for awhile since now I'm able to progress further on a larger and more exciting project that I'll tell you all about soon (I'll have photos too). I've actually had most of the components I needed to build this said project for at least 6 months now and haven't had the ability to build it since I needed a custom enclosure and other hardware that would require some form of 3D printing. Basically, sit tight for more details. You'll to want to see this.

 

If you're disappointed about this being shelved for the time being, don't fret. :)

The Wearable Raspberry Pi BattleTac Computer will return...and will rule the world of airsoft technology.

 

-MG

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